A nurse is reinforcing discharge education to a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following suggestions should be included in the teaching plan?
Report new-onset muscle weakness
Increase consumption of apples and broccoli
Avoid salt substitutes
Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report new-onset muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue, which are important symptoms that need to be monitored. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial because severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Increase consumption of apples and broccoli: While fruits and vegetables like apples and broccoli are healthy, they are not particularly high in potassium. The client should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach to help correct hypokalemia.
C. Avoid salt substitutes: Some salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can actually help increase potassium levels. However, this option might be recommended in certain conditions where potassium levels need to be carefully controlled, such as in renal failure, not in hypokalemia management.
D. Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis: Hypokalemia does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Falls may occur due to muscle weakness, but this is not specifically related to osteoporosis. Therefore, reporting falls is not the primary concern in hypokalemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The excretion of calcium by the kidneys is related to electrolyte balance and bone health but does not directly contribute to hydrostatic pressure in the vasculature.
B. Osmotic pressure is the force exerted by solutes (such as plasma proteins) drawing water into the bloodstream, which opposes hydrostatic pressure. It does not directly contribute to hydrostatic pressure but rather counterbalances it.
C. Hydrostatic pressure is primarily generated by the force of the heart's contraction, which pushes blood through the arteries and capillaries. This pressure drives fluid out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, a crucial process in nutrient and waste exchange.
D. Pressure applied by plasma proteins contributes to oncotic (colloid osmotic) pressure, not hydrostatic pressure. Oncotic pressure pulls fluid into the capillaries, opposing the outward force of hydrostatic pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Provide mouth care: Mouth care is important for overall comfort and hygiene but is not the first step in preparing for chest percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. The priority is to prepare the client for the procedures that will aid in clearing lung secretions.
B. Cup hands and tap on the client's chest repeatedly: This action is part of chest percussion and should be performed after positioning the client correctly. Percussion should be done on the appropriate lung areas based on the positioning.
C. Auscultate lung fields: Auscultation of lung fields is essential for assessing lung sounds and determining the effectiveness of therapy. However, it should be done after positioning the client to ensure that the correct areas are being treated and assessed.
D. Position the client so that the lung area to be drained is above the client's trachea: Proper positioning is crucial for effective postural drainage, as it allows gravity to assist in moving secretions from the lung areas to the central airways. This should be done before performing chest percussion or vibration.
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